Nature-Based & Cultural Attractions

In Enontekiö, we have 350 fells, 825 lakes, 200 kilometers of ski trails, 600 kilometers of snowmobile trails and 227 species of birds.

We live in firm connection with nature and Lapland's 8 distinct seasons bring remarkable changes into people's daily routines. Seasonal awareness is very important for those visiting the arctic since the activities that are possible in our pristine nature vary as much with the seasons as does the rhythm of life on the husky farm. Hence, choose wisely between visiting in deep winter, late winter, spring, early summer, summer, late summer, autumn or early winter.

Hetta is an age-old Lapp and Sámi dwelling place, where the traditional culture – which has centred around reindeer husbandry for the last few hundred years for both the original Lappish inhabitants and the semi-nomadic Sami inhabitants, is still very much alive. Natural livelihoods are still practised, handicraft skills are passed on from one generation to the next, and the tradition of the Joiku (traditional Sámi lyric poems) continues to flourish.

The best way to see and fully understand the uniqueness of the natural features in the Hetta Area is from the look-out point at the top of Jyppyrävaara Hill. The village of Hetta and the surrounding fell landscape astound visitors with their beauty time after time. Jyppyrävaara Hill itself is covered by pine dominated forest, dotted with birches as well as aspen and mountain ash. There are only a few lone spruce trees in the area, as the northern growth line of spruce is 20 km south of the area.

Lake Ounasjärvi is located between the Pallas-Ounastunturi Fell-chain and the village of Hetta. The lake is the source for the River Ounasjoki, which is one of Lapland’s longest free-flowing rivers. A small isthmus at the west end of Lake Ounasjärvi separates Lake Ounasjärvi and Lake Muotkajärvi. Together these long lakes make up a narrow almost 20 km long stretch of lake landscape that the Hetta-Muotkajärvi road runs alongside.

Northern Lights

Occurrences of the Northern Lights are best seen, for instance, between Early Autumn and Early Spring during the hours each side of midnight. Enontekiö is one of the best regions in Scandinavia to see them in because it is far from light pollution.

Auroras Now! is a space weather service maintened by Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) to help watching auroras in Finland.

Since people in Enontekiö still live close to the land, this is a great place to visit for those interested in either bushcraft or survival techniques. More information can be found on the activities section of this website.